Saffron & Sage: Ayurvedic Wisdom from Tuscany – A Sneak Peek

I’m so excited to share a little about my upcoming book, Saffron & Sage: Ayurvedic Wisdom from Tuscany. This book is a reflection of my journey to combine the ancient wisdom of Ayurveda with the timeless simplicity of Tuscan Slow Living. It’s about slowing down, tuning into the natural rhythms of life, and living with intention, whether you're in Tuscany or anywhere else in the world.

In Saffron & Sage, I blend Ayurvedic insights with simple, seasonal recipes that are inspired by the vibrant food culture of Tuscany. The book isn’t just a cookbook; it’s a guide to living more mindfully, cultivating peace, and nourishing yourself in body and spirit. I’ve poured everything I’ve learned about Ayurveda and Tuscan living into these pages, with the hope that you’ll feel inspired to bring balance and vitality into your own life—no passport required.

As a little teaser, here’s a spring recipe from the book that holds a special place in my heart: Tuscan Artichoke Salad (Insalata di Carciofi). Every spring, I can’t wait to dig into this dish—its simplicity is a reminder of the way nature always provides what we need, exactly when we need it. The raw artichokes, lemon, and olive oil come together in such a perfect harmony, creating something that’s both light and deeply satisfying. It’s a true reflection of Tuscan cuisine and Ayurvedic wisdom combined.

Tuscan Artichoke Salad (Insalata di Carciofi)

Every spring, there’s one dish that stands out above all others: Insalata di Carciofi Crudi. This raw artichoke salad stole my heart the moment I first tasted it at La Vecchia Bettola, a cozy trattoria in Florence. The artichokes, sliced paper-thin, are tossed with lemon, olive oil, and Parmesan—creating a flavor profile that’s earthy, bright, and so satisfying. It’s a dish that’s as simple as it is perfect, and one that I could easily devour for lunch on a sunny spring day.

The beauty of this salad? It mirrors the season perfectly. As spring begins to unfold, artichokes arrive at their peak—light, cleansing, and gentle. This salad not only nourishes the body but also helps us transition from the heavier foods of winter, embodying the Ayurvedic principle of seasonal eating. The simplicity of the ingredients and the freshness of the flavors remind us to listen to nature’s cues and honor the vibrant energy of the season.

Ingredients:

• 4–5 medium-sized fresh artichokes

• 1 lemon

• Extra virgin olive oil

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper

• Parmesan cheese shavings

Instructions:

1. Fill a large bowl with cold water and squeeze in the juice of half a lemon. This helps keep the artichokes from browning as you prepare them.

2. To prepare the artichokes, remove the tough outer leaves until you reach the tender, pale inner leaves. Trim the stem to about 1 inch and peel off the tough outer layer. Slice off the top third to remove the thorny tips.

3. Using a sharp knife or mandoline, slice the artichokes into paper-thin pieces. Immediately place the slices into the lemon water to prevent discoloration.

4. Once all the artichokes are sliced, drain and pat them dry. Arrange them beautifully on a platter.

5. Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil and the juice of the remaining half lemon. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.

6. Finish by scattering Parmesan cheese shavings over the top.

   
   

Ayurvedic Insights on Artichokes:

Artichokes are valued in Ayurveda for their ability to support the body in numerous ways:

• Digestive Health: Artichokes are high in fiber, which supports digestion and helps regulate bowel movements. They also stimulate bile flow, which aids in the digestion of fats.

• Liver Support: The antioxidants found in artichokes, such as cynarin and silymarin, help protect and regenerate liver cells.

• Balancing Doshas: With their slightly bitter and astringent taste, artichokes are perfect for cooling Pitta dosha, helping to reduce excess heat in the body.

This simple, seasonal salad is a beautiful example of how food can nourish us not only physically but also energetically. It’s one of many Ayurvedic-inspired Tuscan recipes in Saffron & Sage that will guide you to a life of balance, harmony, and mindful living.

Stay tuned for more as I share more from this journey!